Lauryn Hill Pleads Guilty in Tax Evasion Case

Hip hop star Lauryn Hill boldly pleaded guilty to intentionally failing to file her tax returns in a federal court today [June 29] and is now looking at a three year prison bid.

According to TMZ, Hill confessed to three counts of failure to file tax returns from 2005 to 2007. The Grammy Award-winning singer reportedly earned more than $1.8 million within that three year span. Asked by the judge if she “intentionally and willingly” refused to pay her taxes, Hill replied, “Yes.”

As previously reported, Hill penned a lengthy 1,200 word essay detailing why she didn’t pay Uncle Sam for three years, citing a lack of privacy and a need to escape the public eye among the reasons she bowed out from the responsibility.

"When I was working consistently without being affected by the interferences mentioned above, I filed and paid my taxes. This only stopped when it was necessary to withdraw from society, in order to guarantee the safety and well-being of myself and my family."

After being arrested at the courthouse, Hill was released on $150,000 bail. Along with the prison sentence, the “Lost One” singer could be fined up to $75,000. Hill is scheduled to return to court for sentencing in November.

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